Yamaha raided, suspected of illegal export to China

The World - In Brief

January 23, 2006

TOKYO -- Japanese police today raided the headquarters of Yamaha Motor Co. on suspicion that the company illegally exported to China remote-control helicopters that can be diverted to military use, officials said. The motorcycle and engine producer, based in Iwata City, west of Tokyo, is accused of selling restricted materials without receiving approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the ministry said. A report in the Asahi newspaper said the helicopters were for spraying pesticides but could be converted to spread chemical weapons or be used for spying.